Is there any program that offers free or low-cost senior dental care?
Medicare, the largest program of health care for seniors, doesn't provide any dental care. Neither do Medicare Advantage managed care plans or Medigap private supplemental health insurance plans.
Medicaid is the federal/state joint program of health care benefits for certain people, including seniors, who have low income and assets. It doesn't generally cover dental care, either. But a few state Medicaid programs provide some minimal dental care in certain counties. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, check with your local county social services office to see if any dental care is available to you through that program.
Another place to check is your county's dental association (the dentists' professional group). Some of these associations hold free dental clinics, or otherwise provide limited, low-cost dental care for low-income seniors. Also, if there is a school of dentistry – where new dentists are trained -- at a college or university near where you live, they may offer free or low-cost dental care at their clinic. Finally, check with local senior centers near where you live. They may have dentists who visit and provide free dental care, or they may provide a referral to dentists who offer low-cost care.
Delta Dental USA has a plan. Only can go to the dentist that are on the list. But your co pays are low.
Helpful. Dos anyone know of Free or Low cost Dental Clinics for Seniors in the Alameda County?
Delta Dental is not available in all areas on its own, but is available for seniors through AARP. Even procedures such as oral surgery are covered at least 50%. Preventive care is 100%. A full chart of rates and what's covered is available through the AARP website.
I need dental work. I am disabled and 64.
In Portland, Oregon and Federal Way, Washington (just south of Seattle) there is Geriatric Dental Group. Geriatric Dental Group is a not-for-profit organization that provides dental care to patients 55 years and older and wheelchair-bound patients of any age. Their fees are 20-50% lower then the area average and they offer long-term, interest-free payment plans and charitable contributions which make it possible for many of the elderly to obtain dental treatment that they could not afford elsewhere. They also offer in-home dentistry serving the non-ambulatory. They have been in business since 1974 and have many patients that travel two-three hours each way to reach their dental clinics. They are hoping to expand in the future. Perhaps there is something similar in your area already...
If you check under the website for the ADA American Dental Associateon you will find sources. There is even one called Donated Dental which provides free of charge dental specifically to those who are disabled, low-income and in need of advanced dental care procedures. Those needing minor care are not eligible.
The challenge however, is that there are many on a waiting list. I signed a dear family member up a few months ago and recently checked the status, concerned to have heard nothing yet. What I learned is that there are others who have been waiting since 2007.
I am disheartened at this point, yet keep looking for assistance for my loved one. Transportation is huge issue for us as well. I am open to any other ideas that anyone may have. For the life of me I don't understand that in an era where very shortly (as of 2011) 10,000 individuals will turn 65 every single day, we are not prepared to address their dental concerns. People are living longer, and while that is a good thing, there is little quality of life when major dental issues steal the precious days remaining away from those we hold dear. A bill of some sort should be sent to Washington addressing this and providing dental care for all American seniors who have paid taxes throughout their life time and worked to make this country strong. Those who have given of themselves within their communities, to their country have no one now to care for them. The VA doesn't cover dental, Medicare doesn't cover dental, Medicaid doesn't cover dental... I simply don't understand why.
Jenny Eisenberg
jeis1121,
I want to thank you for your post. This topic is very touchy for me. I am not a senior, I am 42 but on Medicare because I have a disability. Prior to this year I had medicade. I have been to a few low cost dentists in the area but they were unsanitary, the dentists barely spoke English and screwed my teeth up worse than when I went in. I am a dentist baby anyway, so you can imagine I am even more frightened than before. Not to mention I have a blood phobia...
I have not been able to eat solid food except pasta and soup for over a month now. I have been on antibiotics for two months. I have 4 broken teeth in my mouth and an infection which I am sure is going into my bone. I no longer have the medicaid, just medicare now. I have no idea what to do. I need to be put to sleep when I have dental work done and there is no one who will do that. It was hard enough to find a dentist before but it is impossible now. I do not want some person who does not speak English and follow my instructions working on my mouth ever again. Last time they cut my gums when I told her not to and my fillings fell out within a year of getting them.
I am rambling.. Anyway, I do not understand how we (American Government) can treat people in such a way. How is it that the low income, some of which are low income by no fault of their own, can get medical and prescriptions paid for but not dental and vision? Don't they know you can die from a tooth infection? That seems like medical to me! Why are we not doing anything? I am no longer able to eat the way I used to, I am in constant pain and I am so depressed it is not funny.
How is this possible in America? We have such advances in this country but yet many people are starving and cannot go to the doctor or dentist.
You also brought up another issue... Transportation. I just lost my car because of my lack of money since I am no longer working. I have no way to get anywhere. You need to have medicade to ride the hopelink, you have to be on a sign up and it takes months to get approved for Access service. If it is not one thing it is another!
That is the other problem, now that I am getting Medicare, after they take my premium out each month and I pay rent I have 23 dollars left each month. How is someone supposed to live on that let alone pay a dentist monthly?
Dental care is essential for good health. America has profoundly failed it's people in this area in which there is no excuse. The richest nation in the world. A healthy mouth should be made accessible to everyone. If you can not afford care you get on a long waiting list. The work is done very slowly causing many unnecessary visits. Furthermore clinics for the poor are substandard and unsanitary with questionable practitioners. Sad!!!
There is a great website out there that you can purchase a toothbrush plan for a year at a very reasonable price. You pay for the year and they ship a new toothbrush to you every 3 months. www.ToothbrushHub.com
A great preventative care for your oral health! Has anyone else been able to try this company out?
